4 Hair Styles Everyone Will Be Rocking This Season

Hullo there. I'm Abi Scott, a 23-year-old, Denver based writer with a bachelor's degree in English Lit.
Aside from all that boring stuff, here are some things I tend to enjoy: bold red wines, hat days because that's one less day I have to wash her hair, $1 Saint Candles from Walmart, writing, any and all types of cheeses, dogs with expressive faces, finding that perfect winter sweater and wearing it for three days straight, Indian food, low maintenance house plants, leather boots, songs that you loved in the ninth grade but still play today for nostalgia's sake, dimly lit coffee shops, photographs that make me look thin and young, and long haired men.
Here are some things I don't really enjoy but tolerate, as they are a necessary part of modern society or Asian cuisine: baby corn cobs (like the ones Tom Hanks eats in "Big"), people publicly texting instead of paying attention to the world around them, driving to destinations under a mile away, dressing room lighting, warm beer, simple math, cliché signs that tell you to dance in the rain (you should dance in the rain if you want, but if it's too cold or you would rather not get wet that day, then so be it), Starbucks, musical movies (except "Les Mis" because come on, Hugh Jackman is a god among men), and photographs taken from a low angle that make it look like I have three chins.

Unless you’re a late 90’s pop star, chances are, chunky highlights just don’t compliment your usual style. Ombre was a big hit for a good while, but it was pretty bold from natural hair color and could cost a fortune if you wanted it done right.

Cue balayage: this highlighting technique has been around since the 80’s but has gained popularity in the past year. Models, A-listers, the Kardashians, the usual suspects have adopted balayage like it’s a hungry African child and they are Angelina Jolie.

What exactly is balayage you ask? First, let’s start with the pronunciation. BAH-lee-ahhge is the non-phonetic but still understandable pronunciation of this French word meaning “to sweep.” It’s technique incorporates hand-painted, multicolored highlights interspersed throughout the hair and saturated at the tips. In other words, trust your stylist. This technique relies mostly on the judgement, experience, and artistic ability of your hair care professional.

We love it because it allows for natural looking, reflective locks. It’s a harkening back to sun-kissed tresses, lightened by nature as opposed to revealing our vanity and time spent in the salon chair. The upkeep is easy since there isn’t a direct growth line; meaning we won’t have to diligently book appointments while scrounging up extra money just for hair maintenance. If you’re a proponent of highlighting your hair, balayage is definitely something to check out this fall. Ask your stylist for pricing as it can vary depending on hair length, thickness, color, and level of experience of your stylist.

The LOB

Bob Loblaw loves the lob – or otherwise known as the low bob. It’s the “not a girl, but not yet a woman” haircut. Many of us, upon graduating college, entering the workforce, getting that first serious relationship, think a shorter haircut signifies maturity, confidence, and direction. However, not all of us have the face shape or hair type for a textured bob, classic pixie, or the favorite Rachel.

In steps the lob: the short-ish haircut of 2015. It’s sleek, sexy, and gives you some room to toss those locks around, but doesn’t allow for them to dip in your plate of spaghetti you ordered on that Bumble date. It’s also great no matter the texture or thickness of your hair. Straight, curly, wavy, a combo of the three? The lob should be your next cut. The lack of humidity will help it maintain it’s shape and diminish any frizzies.

To get some hair-spiration, check outMarie-claire’s Lob photo gallery. You’ll want to call your stylist to book an appointment immediately.

Scalp Therapy

Head and Shoulder’s commercials always urged that if we wanted a great head of hair, we’d have to start with our scalp. This fall, the cold, dry air brings in another kind of flurry – dandruff. Even though there are plenty of dandruff shampoo’s on the market, we are less tempted to use them because they don’t smell as good, protect our color, or add volume. They do one thing really well and that’s getting rid of dandruff. But, if you’re like me, I just love the smell of my usual shampoo.

If you’re prone to an itchy scalp, dry, dull looking hair, or constant dandruff, you should look into getting a scalp treatment at your salon. They are usually affordable, include a fantastic head massage, and will help to detox and cleanse that foundation for beautiful hair. Some salons use essential oils, moisturizing masques, or clay-and coal-based products to loosen up trapped dirt and dead skin as well as open up the hair follicles.

Since many of us are balling on a budget ripe with student loans, we may want to try a few DIY scalp-conditioning treatments before visiting the salon. Many clay-based masks are sold on drug store shelves for a fraction of the cost of the in salon treatments. Grab one of these and massage it into clean, wet hair. Stick a shower cap on that bad boy and read a book, shave your legs (or don’t because you’ll be wearing pants for the next few months), or pluck that upper lip you’ve been putting off. After about 15 minutes use a rubber bristled brush to massage the masque into your scalp. It will essentially have the same benefit of the salon treatment.

Season of the Blow Dryer

Ah, the crisp autumn air, the first snowfall, and the season of the blow dryer are upon us. Going outside with wet hair when it’s cold is just awful. Many of us are turning more to our blow dryers now that the days are shorter, the sun is less powerful, and we just don’t want to tolerate the cold, wet hair sticking to our already chilly necks. Just like your mother always warned you about going outside with wet hair, we are here to warn you about the damaging effects of a blow dryer and other heated hair tools.

We are still going to use a blow dryer and by now we’re probably pretty familiar with the heat protecting sprays on the market. However, sometimes we are less inclined to buy them because it seems like a superfluous hair accessory. We would also rather spend the money on a bottle of wine. In order to lengthen our time between cuts, avoid split ends and lack luster hair, we really need to start using a heat protecting spray.Here are some we can totally afford and smell absolutely wonderful.

Hats off

Despite public opinion, hats are not only for Miami drug dealers, British royalty, or secret agents. Hats are a fantastic fall accessory we all need to grab by the brim.Harper’s released a look book of autumn hats that go with any type of outfit, circumstance, or personal style. Now’s time to pack away that straw, beach number and opt for a jewel toned, felt covered, or leather accented head topper.

For dressed down occasions, the classic knit cap or boina hat goes well and encourages messy waves or a simple braid. They are no frills, no nonsense hats that help when you’re trying to run out the door on the way to happy hour.

Instead of trying to pull off that classic French twist, why not instead opt for a gray felt cloche or garnet colored pork pie? Both of these styles are unique, classy, and compliment a range of styles from boyfriend jeans to a charcoal gray pencil skirt and nude pumps. There really is no excuse to try at least a few hats this fall. When all else fails, slap on that yellow beanie you reserve for camping or running to the drug store in your pajamas.

The cold weather offers us plenty of wiggle room when it comes to hair style, cut, color, and accessories. Trends come and go, some return with a vengeance, and some disappear forever. Might as well try these out while we’re here. It’s just hair after all.